Margao: Guardian Angel SC Curchorem registered a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Sao Jose de Areal to book their place in the next round of the 2nd Late Fernando Abranches Memorial Trophy, organised by the United Club of Verna and played at the Village Panchayat Ground, Verna, on Tuesday.
Guardian Angel took an early lead when Gerito Fernandes found the net in the second minute with a neat placement. Sao Jose de Areal responded quickly, with Steven Gomes equalising in the sixth minute, as the teams went into halftime locked at 1–1.
In the second half, Fhezer Gomes restored Guardian Angel’s lead in the 35th minute, before Gerito Fernandes completed his brace with a fine strike in the 39th minute. Sao Jose de Areal pulled one back through Bersal Viegas in the 47th minute, but Guardian Angel held firm to seal the win.
For his match-winning performance, Gerito Fernandes was adjudged Man of the Match, with the award presented by Constancio (Emilian) Fernandes, former sarpanch and promoter of United Club of Verna.
